Guitar Lessons in El Mirage, AZ

Instruments: Guitar Banjo Ukulele Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I teach out of several methods, depending on the desires and needs of each individual student. I do make sure all students have a basic understanding of note reading, rhythm, chord building, right hand techniques and various styles. We learn to strum, play arpeggios and improvise...everything the student needs to feel comfortable playing and performing. I encourage participation in recitals and make times available on a monthly basis for students to explore performance in a non-competitive, encouraging atmosphere. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Trombone Clarinet Synthesizer Ukulele Recorder Euphonium Keyboard Acoustic Guitar

A child will not learn to play an instrument overnight or in one week, the commitment to practice and keeping track of that practice is essential. Nothing helps us learn better than encouragement, even when it sounds bad. Any teacher can tell if a student hasn't practiced or put forth a good effort. Sometimes, you do have to let them know you know, but you try to do so gently. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Electric Guitar Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I like the the traditional music theory method of learning and how it utilizes a musical environment, it's not just about guitar it's about absorbing musical harmonies and finding where it is your piece will fit. Personally, I know that a good guitarist can be trained but great guitarist have a thirst for it. Everybody is going to mess up so their is no sense in talking about how bad or how good someone is. Read More

Instruments: Guitar Trumpet Trombone Saxophone Flute Clarinet Euphonium Mallet Percussion Music Classical Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I'm a passionate and curious musician. I'm self-taught in the styles of classical and jazz from when I picked up the clarinet I found at a Salvation Army at the age of 10. I taught myself until I started college and studied with Kelly Lake, Stephanie Gardner, Jeff Quamo and Cris Inguanti at NAU. While working toward receiving my Masters in Clarinet performance at NAU, I taught music theory and aural perception at the undergraduate level. In addition to teaching I've had two pieces written and recorded for me along with a couple tracks on a comedian's recent albums. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Bass Guitar Keyboard

Most of my students (who don't already know) start off with basic theory (Major Scale & Major and Minor Chord Formulas). Whatever their ultimate goal for learning would determine where I would take it from there. If your goal is to play one song for your significant other we can do just that. If your goal is to perform we can cater to that as well. Maybe you're goal is to learn enough to write your own songs. Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Voice Trumpet Keyboard Electric Guitar

I generally like to start my beginning students with lesson plans from the book" The Secrets of playing Piano by Ear" by Jermaine Griggs. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. I try to focus on what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lesson fresh and FUN! Read More

Instruments: Piano Guitar Drums Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Acoustic Guitar

I feel I explained a good amount of my teaching style in the last column. I really like to go with what the student will benefit from the most, not necessarily what is the cookie cutter "next step" I learned to play by trying things a couple levels above me and I loved it. I know not all students are the same, and sometimes the parents input is a big factor depending on if they are musicians themselves! Read More